China eyes ‘Expendables 2′

Chinese distributor in talks to prodcue

A rep for Nu Image/Millennium Films said Wednesday that the production company‘s in talks with a Chinese distributor to come onboard as a producer on the sequel. That would lead to scenes lensing in China as long as a local actor is in the cast. Donnie Yen’s been offered a part on the condition that the partnership deal goes through, which would make a release in China far easier for “The Expendables 2.”

The current start date for the film, also produced by Lionsgate, is Sept. 19 at Nu Boyana Studios in Bulgaria. Simon West is attached to direct, and Sylvester Stallone stars.

Lionsgate has already set a U.S. release date of Aug. 17 for “Expendables 2.” Lionsgate used the same mid-August frame last year to launch the ensemble actioner, which grossed $102 million Stateside and another $170 million outside the U.S.